Traitors star Jessie to join Headscarf Hustle

4 hours ago

Kofi Smilesand

David McKenna,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — Traitors star and hairdresser Jessie Stride will take part in this year's Headscarf Hustle event

BBC / Amanda White A woman smiling at the camera. She has bright red, shoulder-length hair, half tied back. She wears bright yellow eye shadow, which matches her bright yellow jumper. She is holding a black comb in her hand and silver scissors. Behind her a woman can be seen in a mirror wearing a black barber's apron an sitting in a chair having her hair cut. — Traitors star and hairdresser Jessie Stride will take part in this year's Headscarf Hustle event

Traitors star Jessie Stride will join hundreds of other people in a three-mile run or walk in Hull to raise funds for a statue honouring four women from the city who campaigned for trawler safety measures in the 1960s.

The Headscarf Hustle, hosted by local charity and athletics club Fitmums & Friends, along with Curly's Athletes, will take place on Sunday 8 March - International Women's Day.

Event organisers Sam Barlow BEM and Vicky Hillier said it was about celebrating inspirational women, as well as encouraging people to be active.

The 'Headscarf Revolutionaries' comprised four women from Hull who fought to improve safety at sea after the Triple Trawler Disaster of 1968.

Getty Images A black and white photo of four women, two of them wearing headscarves. The woman on the left is smiling and the other three have serious expressions on their faces. — From left, Yvonne Blenkinsop, Mary Denness, Lillian Bilocca and Christine Smallbone were known as the Headscarf Revolutionaries

Fifty-eight men lost their lives at sea when the Hull trawlers St Romanus, Kingston Peridot and Ross Cleveland sank in what became known as The Triple Trawler Disaster.

Only one man, Harry Eddom, survived.

A campaign was then set up by Lillian Bilocca, Christine Smallbone, Mary Denness and Yvonne Blenkinsop, who became known as the Headscarf Revolutionaries.

They established The Fisherman's Charter, a demand for better safety standards in the fishing industry, including a radio operator on every ship.

Barlow said instead of medals, participants would be offered a headscarf in recognition of the women.

"We thought it was more appropriate to get a headscarf," she said.

On Stride's participation, Barlow added: "We are massive fans, she is an inspirational woman herself."

Announcing her intention to take part, Stride, who was a popular faithful on the BBC reality show, said: "Hello my friends, I am pleased to tell you I will be joining you... for the Headscarf Hustle celebrating the Headscarf Revolutionaries on International Women's Day."

After leaving the show, Stride said helping to raise awareness for those with a stammer "means more than any prize money".

The event, described as "a 5km for the whole family", starts at Sammy's Point, next to The Deep, Hull, at 10:00 GMT.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices